WHEELING – The Ohio Valley Athletic Conference (OVAC) announced today that St. Clairsville based Belmont College has just signed a multiple year agreement to become the OVAC’s newest Official Corporate Partner.

The comprehensive partnership with Belmont College will include a year-long cohesive marketing package consisting of television, radio, print, signage, digital and social media during and associated with the Conference’s annual marquee games, events and championships.

Belmont College’s financial support will help enhance the experience of the over 12,000 student-athletes that will participate in Conference activities each year.

Additionally, it was announced that Belmont College in partnership with the OVAC will be taking over and become the Presenting Sponsor of the Conference’s Student-Athlete Achievement Award.

The “OVAC Student-Athlete Achievement Award powered by Belmont College” will be awarded to the best all-around combined boy’s and girl’s programs both in athletic competition and academically in the classroom. Points will be earned and tracked throughout the year based on final standings and placement in championship events across all sports in combination with overall grade point averages.

One winning school from each of the five OVAC Classes will be crowned at the end of the school year at the Conference’s Banquet of Champions.

“We are grateful for Belmont College’s willingness to become an Official Corporate Partner of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference,” stated OVAC Executive Secretary/Treasurer, Tom Rataiczak. “Also, stepping up and becoming the Presenting Sponsor of our coveted Student-Athlete Achievement Award shows that Belmont College understands the value, and importance of supporting excellence on and off the field of play.”

In conjunction with the Award, Belmont College will recognize an Athlete of the Month as well. An individual athlete will be nominated each month by the member high schools and then voted on by the fans. The individual that receives the most fan votes will be recognized with a special plaque and then recognized at a game or event in front of his or her peers and fans.

“We are proud to be partnering with the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference to help support local high school students,” said Dr. Paul Gasparro, Belmont College President. “As the community’s college, we feel it is important to foster relationships throughout the region and we couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity to invest in the future of talented student-athletes. Through this partnership we hope to illustrate, to athletes and non-athletes, the importance of higher education.”